Swamp Fox Historic Murals

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Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society ©2004
in Clarendon County, SC

General Francis Marion, The Swamp Fox, American Revolutionary War History, Swamp Fox Trial ,Clarendon County SC
Promoting history with Historic murals (in Manning, Paxville, Summerton & Turbeville): The Swamp Fox, General Francis Marion and his engagements with the British in 1780-81 in St. Mark's Parish, now Clarendon County.
Every mural tells a story of the events of the American Revolution in South Carolina.

Best yet: October 16-17, 2009 7th Francis Marion Symposium
Come Experience: 8th Francis Marion Symposium October 15-16, 2010 in Manning, SC:
“Explore the Rev. War Southern Campaign and General Francis Marion.”
See Francis Marion related items for sale.

New Summerton murals are the Fort Watson panels

New Summerton murals tell the Fort Watson story

New representation of Fort Watson tower building 1781

Terry Smith constructs a new interpretation of Fort Watson, March 2009.
Siege of Fort Watson Murals, Newest 4 murals in Summerton, completed April 2009.
Colonel Lee and Lee's Legion joined General Marion and Marion's Brigade on the Santee River. They elected to capture British-held Fort Watson to get supplies. General Thomas Sumter had attacked Fort Watson unsuccessfully on February 28, 1781. Marion's men laid siege to Fort Watson for many days starting April 16, 1781. While waiting for a cannon to arrive, Major Maham suggested building a tower to have sharpshooters pick off the Redcoats inside the fort. The Patriots gathered saplings for several days and constructed the tower overnight. The use of the tower led to the capture of Fort Watson on April 23rd, 1781, and was the final Battle of Fort Watson.
These murals are donated by the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society, 2009, to bring alive Revolutionary War history
on Summerton's Main Street on Baucom's building. Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida
Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Summerton, Manning, Paxville, Turbeville, SC

Bronze statue of Marion, best likeness ever made stands in Edward Jones Office at Courthouse Square, Manning

This bronze statue of General Francis Marion stands in the glass window of Edward Jones office
on the Clarendon Courthouse Square in Manning, SC. From all reference sources
this Bob Barinowski statue is the best likeness ever made of Gen. Marion.

Great Experience for over 650 potential historians Feb. 26-28, 2009, Plan now for Feb. 26-27, 2010
American Revolutionary Francis Marion Days Living History Encampment
and Celebration of "General Francis Marion Memorial Day and Victory at Wyboo Swamp", Camp Bob Cooper, Summerton, SC.
To honor General Francis Marion Memorial Day, which the South Carolina Legislature designated as February 27,
the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society sponsors General Francis Marion Days Living History.

This Swamp Fox Mural in Manning, completed March 2006, is the 11th:

Francis Marion bursting onto the scene in newest Swamp Fox Mural.

The Swamp Fox: During the American Revolution, after the fall of Charles Town in 1780, Francis Marion burst forth to lead the Williamsburg militia. He was the senior Regimental/Continental Officer not captured or paroled. He recruited patriots, ambushed the British and Loyalists as he gained control of the supply routes to Camden. As they said in their textbooks, the British lost the war in the south & so the Patriots won independence in the south.
This Swamp Fox Mural joins the historic location formerly home to Lands Service Station, The Bootery (HB Mahoney), Randylynn’s (Children's Clothes), currently Easy Rent-To-Own, 35 N. Brooks St. and adjacent to Sub Station II in Manning, SC The Swamp Fox is donated by the Swamp Fox Mural Trail Society. Artist: Donna VanWynsberghe, Summerton, SC 2006

Come to see the Newest 4 murals in Turbeville, April 2008, bringing Swamp Fox murals to 20.

Mouzon's children see Tarleton's Dragoons and they ride to Mouzon's home

©2008
"The Burning of Mouzon's Home by his "Friend" Started Other Burnings Including Along the Black River" (August 7, 1780)
Capt. William Henry Mouzon II was educated in France and spoke the language fluently. He became a surveyor and civil engineer. Henry Mouzon had a warm friendship with Banastre Tarleton from their boyhood school days in Francs. Yet so callous had the British Tarleton grown from a sense of duty to his King that he burned the Mouzon Plantation House, on August 7, 1780. Mouzon's daughter Ann recounted the day that the British arrived. She was eleven years old and was the first to see the British and alerted the rest of the family. Mouzon was able to escape into Puddin' Swamp of the Black River which was near his home. This was on the edge of St. Marks Parish, when Tarleton’s Green Dragoons burned it. Soon after the British Major James Wemyss burned out Patriots and Loyalists alike in a swathe 15 miles wide for 70 miles on the route from Kingstree to Cheraw, Santee River to Georgetown including the area along the Black River.
These murals are donated by the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society, 2008, and bring alive Revolutionary War history on Turbeville's Main Street on Dr. Kate's old Post Office building. Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida

Oscar, Marion's bodyguard, is the Patriot Summerton mural of a Revolutionary War Patriot

Newest 2 murals in Summerton,
May 2007, are the 15th and 16th.
The Patriot and The Redcoat
During the American Revolution, after the fall of Charles Town in 1780, General Francis Marion’s militia crossed the Santee swamps and appeared at many turns near Jacks Creek and River Road. Patriots ambushed the British and Loyalists and controlled the supply routes to Camden. Marion's militia included black, white and red men. This patriot represents Oscar, called Buddy by the General, who fought beside and was the lifelong body servant of General Marion. The Redcoats pursued and did not capture the Swamp Fox. The Patriots won independence for the colonies with ©2007 the Southern Campaign. ©2007
This pair of Swamp Fox Murals is donated by the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society, 2007, and depicts Revolutionary War history on Summerton's North Main Street on the Detwiler and Gaters buildings. Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida

Patriot at Scotts Lake Mural in Summerton, completed April 2005, is the 10th:
Mural in Summerton shows a patriot leaving his family to ride with Marion

Mural in Summerton shows a patriot leaving his family to ride with Marion

During the American Revolution, August 1780, General Francis Marion was ordered by General Gates to roam the Santee burning boats. Being successfully engaged in this task, he learned of Gates’ defeat at Camden. This Patriot left his family at Scott's Lake to join Marion at nearby Nelsons Ferry. Other mounted militia join Marion on the River Road where they continue to attack British supply lines, then disappear into nearby swamps.
The Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this Summerton Mural.
Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’Lakes, Florida (Mural Painted on North wall of Ginger's Flowers, Summerton, SC April 2005)

Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail: Summerton, Paxville, Manning & Turbeville.

Marion and Oscar call to the Citizen Soldier (National Guard of 1780)

©2003
Citizen Soldier (National Guard of 1780) Mural

During the American Revolution, the militia like Marion's Brigade was totally dependent on a man with a horse & a gun who tended his farm & responded to Marion's call to arms. Marion rides this horse before battle at Black Mingo, Sept., 1780. Marion & Oscar summons farmer-soldier from his crops. These farmer-soldiers cut the supply lines, intimidated the Tories from Charles Town to Camden and thwarted and embarrassed the British from the Pee Dee to the Santee River.
The Town of Manning, the Manning Piggly Wiggly, the Manning Rotary and the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this mural in Manning, SC.
Artists: Dayton & Sandy Wodrich, Brenham, Texas. (Mural Painted on East wall of Piggly Wiggly, S. Mill St., Manning, SC April, 2003, refurbished due to fading 2008.)
Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, Turbeville, SC

Middle of the night Battle of Tearcoat Swamp Mural in Turbeville.

©2002
Battle of Tearcoat Swamp Mural

In the American Revolution, October 25, 1780, General Marion learned Colonel Tynes with a party of over ninety drew supplies and new muskets at Camden. Tynes was camped at the edge of Tearcoat Swamp between the forks of the Black River. Marion called a muster and with 150 men moved to Kingstree. He then turned west and moved swiftly toward Tearcoat. After scouting the encampment Marion split his force into three companies and attacked at midnight. The attackers killed six, wounded fourteen and captured twenty-three men. They also captured the food, baggage, ammunition, eighty new muskets and horses with saddles. However, Tynes escaped, but was captured a few days later in the High Hills.
The citizens of Clarendon County and the Town of Turbeville donated this mural in Turbeville, SC.
Artist: Will Anderson, Stateburg, SC. (Mural Painted on West wall of Dollar General, Park St., Turbeville, SC June, 2002, refurbished due to fading 2008.)
Revolutionary History in Clarendon County, SC with General Francis Marion, The "Swamp Fox".
Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Turbeville, Manning, Paxville, Summerton, SC.
Follow the treasure hunt to find this mural. http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.asp?id=26102

Frontier Woman at Home Backcountry in the American Revolution

©2004
Home in the Backcountry, 1780 Mural

During the American Revolution, life at home in the backcountry was difficult for all. Families had to be self-sufficient. The children carried water and carded cotton for the spinning wheel, helped tend the kitchen garden, cared for animals, milked cows, made butter and soap. The women protected and managed the home when the men & boys were away fighting with Marion's Brigade.
Santee Cooper, Summerton Downtown Development Events Committee, Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this mural in Summerton, SC.
Artists: Dayton & Sandy Wodrich, Brenham, Texas.
(Mural Painted on the West & East walls of old Dr. Keller's office and the Masonic Building, Main St., Summerton, SC May, 2004.)
Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Summerton, Manning and Turbeville.

Tarleton persues Marion from Richbourg’s Mill

During the American Revolution, November 1780, Colonel Tarleton with his Green Dragoons hunted General Marion. Tarleton encamped at the late General Richardson’s home. Marion was warned by the widow's son and quickly withdrew to Jacks Creek near Richbourg’s Mill. Learning from a Tory spy that General Marion had slipped away, Tarleton gave chase. Marion and his militia, staying just ahead of the dragoons and fighting a series of delaying actions with his rear guard, rode to the head of Jacks Creek, down the Pocotaligo River, beyond Ox Swamp where Tarleton gave up the chase and on to Benbow’s Ferry.
Don & Anna Marie Marshall donated this Swamp Fox Mural on McLeod's in Paxville.

Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail: Paxville, Summerton, Manning and Turbeville.
Artists: Master Peace Originals, The Williams Family, Sumter, SC (Mural on North wall of Short Stop formerly McLeod's Grocery, HWY 261, Paxville, SC January, 2005)

This Swamp Fox Mural in Manning, completed December 2001, is the 1st:

Gen. Marion enticing Tarleton into Ox Swamp, 1780, Mural in Manning

©2001
Swamp Fox at Ox Swamp Mural

In the American Revolution, Nov. 8, 1780, Gen. Francis Marion and his militia lured British Col. Tarleton and his Green Dragoons about 26 miles from Jacks Creek through the swamps (Sammy and Pocotaligo) to Ox Swamp. After spending 6 hours in this pursuit, Tarleton gave up the chase saying “as for the old fox (Marion), the devil himself could not catch him.” Thus, Gen. Marion became known as the “Swamp Fox”.
The citizens of Clarendon County and Manning donated this mural in Manning.
Artist: Will Anderson, Stateburg, SC.
(The 12 foot x 48 foot mural is painted on West wall of the Manning Fire Station, Boyce & Boundary, completed December 2001, refurbished due to fading 2008.)
Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, Turbeville, SC.
Follow the treasure hunt to find this mural. http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.asp?ID=15646

©2003
Puddin’ Swamp 1776 – The Frontier Mural

     During the American Revolution, Puddin’ Swamp and the Black River were on the frontier. Brave and adventurous pioneer families settled on the higher ground near the Rivers. Pioneers cooked over open fires, grew their food, tapped pines for rosin and poled supplies on the Black River to Georgetown. Gen. Francis Marion was totally dependent on farmers who responded to his call to arms. Here we see Marion visiting a farmer-soldier family.
    Marion's Patriots captured food, muskets and horses from the British and Tories in this region during the American Revolution.
    The Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society and the Town of Turbeville donated this mural in Turbeville, SC.
Artists: Dayton & Sandy Wodrich, Brenham, Texas.
(Mural Painted on the North-East wall on old Griffin Drug Store, Gamble Street, Turbeville, SC November, 2003, refurbished due to fading 2008.)
Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Turbeville, Manning Paxville, and Summerton.

Francis Marion and Oscar oversee the Ambush at Half-Way Swamp, 1780.

©2004
Ambush at Half-Way Swamp Mural

During the American Revolution, December 1780, over 750 recently arrived British replacement fusiliers were marching from Nelson’s Ferry having crossed the Santee River. Major McLeroth’s British troops from Moncks Corner joined them as an escort to Camden. General Marion’s Brigade was hiding in the swamp in ambush positions near Fludd’s Mill (now Elliott’s Mill Pond) on the River Road. Marion’s Brigade began picking off the British. This harassment led to the Major’s flag of truce & another bit of history & another mural.
The Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this mural in Manning, SC.
Artists: Master Peace Originals: Liz & Adam Williams, Sumter, SC. (Mural Painted on the East wall of B Mart, Brooks St., Manning, SC June, 2004.)
Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Manning, Summerton, Turbeville, SC

Newest murals in Manning, April 2006, are the 12th - 14th.
As part of the Bridges Campaign:
Battle of Wyboo Swamp (Tuesday, March 6, 1781) (Left, central & right panels)
Battle of Wyboo Swamp Mural in Manning with the Brits bringing up their cannon.

Battle of Wyboo Swamp Mural in Manning with the Brits bringing up their cannon.

Battle of Wyboo Swamp Mural with Francis Marion and Oscar in Manning

Battle of Wyboo Swamp Mural
During the American Revolution, the Bridges Campaign and Watson Chase March 6, 1781, Colonel Watson and British troops from Fort Watson were sent to crush General Marion. Marion’s Militia challenged them on the 1/4 mile causeway over Wyboo Swamp. The cavalry clashed several times on the causeway. When the cannon arrived Marion withdrew to a position near the Cantey Plantation. One of Marion’s men, Gavin James, personally killed three Tory dragoons on the causeway. He shot one and then bayoneted two from his horse.

The Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society commissioned this mural for the IGA in Manning, 2006.
Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida Prints (11" x 17") of the 3 panels are available NOW.

Wyboo Swamp murals on the IGA wall, Manning.

Patriots repair their wagon and give directions to Marion's camp.

©2004
Summerton mural: Wagon Travel

During the American Revolution, travel was slow and hard work. Wagons needed to stop often since wooden axles and wooden wheels required grease and maintenance. Marion’s militia traveled in a day only as far as men could walk or ride horses; they were documented as able to travel fifty miles through the swamps at night on horseback. Most travel from Nelsons Ferry to Camden was along the Santee Path just west of here. This Patriot gives directions to Marion’s camp near Jacks Creek.
The Citizens of Summerton, the Ardis Family and the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this mural.
Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic US 301: Summerton, Paxville, Manning and Turbeville.
Artists: Master Peace Originals, The Williams Family, Sumter, SC (Mural Painted on East wall of Old Bank/Martin Building, Summerton, SC September, 2004)

Murray's Ferry over the Santee River Historic Marker

The General Francis Marion on the Santee River story (1781, during the American Revolution) is told on the Murray’s Ferry Historic Marker. This marker originated on the first Santee River Bridge entrance on brick posts, now highway US 52. It returned to South Carolina via Florida and Ohio.
Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society coordinated the rescue and return 2Sept.008.
Special thanks to A. and R. Hausfeld, J.M. Odom, B. Rowe, D. Stewart, G. Summers and W. Turbeville.

Early morning river fog surrounds Siege of Fort Watson, 1781

©2002
Siege of Fort Watson Mural
Colonel Lee and Lee's Legion joined General Marion and Marion's Brigade on the Santee River. They elected to capture British-held Fort Watson to get supplies. General Thomas Sumter had attacked Fort Watson unsuccessfully on February 28, 1781. Marion's men laid siege to Fort Watson for many days starting April 16, 1781. While waiting for a cannon to arrive, Major Maham suggested building a tower to have sharpshooters pick off the Redcoats inside the fort. The Patriots gathered saplings for several days and constructed the tower overnight. The use of the tower led to the capture of Fort Watson on April 23rd, 1781, and was the final Battle of Fort Watson.
The citizens of Clarendon County and SC Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper) donated this mural in Summerton, SC.
Artist: Will Anderson, Stateburg, SC. (Mural Painted on East wall of Baucom's, Duke St., Summerton, SC December, 2002, down for refurbishing 2008.)
Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Summerton, Manning, Paxville, Turbeville, SC

Gen. Francis Marion's Rev. Encounters & Swamp Fox Murals in Clarendon County, SC.

"The Swamp Fox Song"
My name is Francis Marion. I fought the British redcoats in ’76,
Hiding in the Carolina swamps by day & surprising them with swift strikes at night.
They called me a tricky swamp fox, so a swamp fox I became.

Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox
Tail on his hat. Nobody knows Where the Swamp Fox at.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox
Hiding in the glen. He runs away to fight again.

I fire a gun, the birds take wing.
Their startled cry’s a signal clear.
My men march forth to fight the King.
And leave behind their loved ones dear.

Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Tail on his hat. Nobody knows Where the Swamp Fox at.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Hiding in the glen. He runs away to fight again.

We had no lead, we had no powder.
Always fought with an empty gun.
Only made us shout the louder.
We are the men of Marion.

We had no cornpone, had no honey,
all we had was continental money.
Couldn’t buy nothing worth beans in a pot
Roastin’ ears & possum was all we ever got.

Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Tail on his hat. Nobody knows Where the Swamp Fox at.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Hiding in the glen. He runs away to fight again.

We had no blankets, had no beds.
Had no roof above our heads.
We get no shelter when it rains.
All we got was Yankee brains.

The Redcoats rise in a foreign land
Their hearts are far across the sea,
They never try to understand
We fight for home & liberty.

Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Tail on his hat. Nobody knows Where the Swamp Fox at.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Hiding in the glen. He runs away to fight again.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Tail on his hat. Nobody knows Where the Swamp Fox at.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Hiding in the glen. He runs away to fight again.

Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society ©2004
Join the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society
Promote Gen. Francis Marion History
through Murals in Clarendon County, SC.

The purposes, for which this organization is formed, are exclusively charitable and educational
within the meaning of the Section 501 © (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and is an independent, non-profit organization.

Francis Marion related items for sale.
Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society shares the great Revolutionary War history of SC.
These Revolutionary War books and crafts are available:
Francis Marion Lapel Pins, Liberty Crest Pins
Wyboo Swamp Battle Murals Prints
Dr. Christine Swager’s: "Black Crows and White Cockades", "If Ever Your Country Needs You", "Come to the Cow Pens", "The Valiant Died", "Heroes of Kettle Creek, 1779-1782".
Kate Salley Palmer’s: “Francis Marion and the Legend of the Swamp Fox”, “Palmetto - Symbol of Courage”
Patrick O'Kelly’s: "Nothing but Blood & Slaughter, Vol 1, Vol 2, Vol 3 and Vol 4” & Marion's Orderly Book
Robert Pelton's: Rev. War Period Cook Books: “Rev. Cookery” and others
Hand-Made Pipes, Hand-Made Shawls, Decorated 'Hawks, Decorated Powder Horns, Hand-Painted Rev. Soldiers, Clarendonopoly.
Call for more info: 803-478-2645 or email: gcsummers@ftc-i.net

Patriot musician, Garland, knows he's needed.

(Photo from Larry @ Silver Images)
Striped Bass Festival, April 2002 & 2003, Parade had Revolutionary War Re-enactor Participants.
Drum & Fife Revolutionary re-enactors from 2nd SC

Drum & Fife Revolutionary re-enactors from 2nd SC

Sumter High School Hands on History students show crafts in the way Revolutiohnary Period workers did.

Sumter High School Hands on History students show survival skills of Revolutionary Period
during Striped Bass Festival, April, 2002 & Victory at Fort Watson Encampment, October, 2002.

Swamp Fox Murals started in phases of development with research beginning in 2000.

The Swamp Fox at Ox Swamp mural in Manning is the first Clarendon County Rev. War mural. The phases of mural development progress from discussion of the history, agreement on the specific Rev. Era event, selection of a location, wall & wall owner's signature, the artist's sketch, approval, original comprehensive, approval, and the artist paints the mural on the wall all with modifications to be period specific.

Ms. Ellis' and Ms. Prothro's second graders talked with artist Will Anderson &
influenced him to include the creatures of the swamp in 2001.
Visit all the murals & find the creatures.
The first Clarendon Swamp Fox mural was completed in December, 2001.

You can sponsor a Swamp Fox mural in Manning, Paxville, Summerton, Turbeville and Clarendon County, SC.
Be part of this long-range murals project to promote history through murals.

The Mural Society is a 501(c)(3), non-profit.

Contact Swamp Fox Mural Trail Society:
C. Hester, PO Box 667, Manning, SC 29102 or
G. Summers 803-478-2645 gcsummers@ftc-i.net

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